New York residents and visitors may fish for free without a fishing license June 29-30 in any of the state's 7,500 lakes and ponds or 50,000 miles of rivers and streams

NY's Open for Hunting and Fishing initiative includes the streamlining of hunting and fishing licensing and reducing license fees, improved access for fishing at various sites across the state, stocking as much as 900,000 pounds of fish raised at DEC hatcheries, and increasing hunting opportunities in various regions.

Anglers are reminded that although a fishing license is not required during the free fishing day weekend, all other fishing regulations remain in effect.

To further encourage fishing in New York State, legislation last year expanded the opportunity for free fishing clinics, allowing more New Yorkers to experience fishing for the first time.

The Free Fishing Days program began in 1991. New York's sport fishing industry generates an estimated $1.8 billion in economic activity annually, supporting nearly 17,000 jobs.